Dangerous cold will stay for another day

ROCKFORD - Already dangerously low temperatures are falling as today's low could challenge a record ripe for besting and then keep right on falling.

January is generally considered the coldest month of the year in Illinois. But when it comes to dangerous cold in January, Rockford's daily record of 13 below zero set Jan. 27, 1988, isn't all that low, National Weather Service Meteorologist Ed Fenelon said.

"There is a pretty good chance we could hit that tonight and could surpass the record," Fenelon said. "It's one of the weaker - for lack of a better word - records. When you scan the record lows, it's one of the mildest records in January."

It's expected to continue getting colder throughout the morning, level off and then get colder again tonight. It's possible the record low for Jan. 28 could have fallen overnight as we headed for a low of 22 below, which would tie the record set Jan. 28, 1915.

A wind chill warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Temperatures at the Chicago Rockford International Airport measured at 4 below at 6 a.m. and fell 2 degrees by 8 a.m. Although today's low is forecasted to bottom out at 7 below with wind chill at 35 below, as temperatures fall tonight the record could fall before midnight.

Temperatures are expected to rise Wednesday to a high of 19 degrees. That's above zero.

Residents are being warned to stay home, especially in rural or open areas, if possible, because drifting and blowing snow remains a problem on rural roads. Pack an emergency kit if you must travel, dress in layers and remain vigilant for frost bite and hypothermia, Fenelon said.

The Illinois Department of Transportation says more than 600 trucks are out clearing roads as whiteout conditions are being reported in some parts of the state.

Agency officials said Monday that roads are "slick and dangerous" in northern Illinois and cautioned drivers only to venture out if "absolutely necessary."

The agency has 750 employees who are working to remove the snow from hard-hit areas. To get an idea of regional road conditions, drivers can visit gettingaroundillinois.com.

The Rockford City Council postponed its scheduled meetings Monday night because of the severe weather conditions. Council and committees will meet instead on Wednesday at the previously scheduled times.